Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket, to continue playing ODIs

Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The seasoned campaigner, who is currently a part of the Mumbai Indians camp in IPL 2025, posted on his Instagram story to confirm his decision. The veteran played 67 Tests, registering 4301 runs at an average of 40.57 from 2013 to 2024. Rohit played his final Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne.

"Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It's been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format," Rohit. wrote in his Instagram story with his Test cap in the backdrop.

The decision means that Rohit will now only play the ODI format for India, having previously announced retirement from T20Is after leading the team to a title in the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. 

There was plenty of talks around Rohit's future in the longest format, especially with the tour of England commencing in June, which will also kickstart the new World Test Championship cycle for India. Rohit had been undergoing a rough patch as the previous couple of series - against Australia (away) and New Zealand (home) - saw him average a miserly 6.20 and 15.16, respectively. 

Notably, the first indication of uncertainty around his future surfaced when he "stood down" for the final game of the five-match series against Australia in Sydney, following a series of underwhelming performances as both batter and captain. The moment marked the beginning of growing apprehension over his leadership role in the Test side alongside his place as a batter at the top of the order. 

Rohit's stint as Test skipper commenced in 2022, a while after Kohli stepped down from the role. In the 24 games he administered as Test captain, India won 12 games, lost nine, and drew three under his leadership.

It remains to be seen who will take over India's Test captaincy, with Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant the likely candidates.